Chapter 157 Jonin Trust Vote
The meeting place was not the Hokage Building, but the mountain where the Hokage Rock is located.
When Souji arrived, he saw the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing a Hokage hat and a divine robe, with a pipe in his mouth, his hands behind his back, looking down at Konoha from the mountaintop.
The Hidden Leaf Village, with a population of over 100,000, is a vast area, and only from this height can one have a panoramic view of the entire region.
"Lord Hokage.
"You're here."
The Hokage didn't turn around, still looking down at Konoha, and spoke in a normal manner:
"Konoha is very big, isn't it?"
"Actually, it's not very big, only about 100,000 people."
Souji glanced at the Hokage and could tell that he clearly wanted to have a meaningful conversation with him, but after thinking about it, he decided to speak according to his own ideas.
"If you only consider Konoha as a village of ninjas, then a village of 100,000 people is naturally very large.
However, if you consider it as a town, then 100,000 people is not a lot.
Towns of the same size are everywhere in the ninja world."
Upon hearing Souji's reply, the Hokage was slightly taken aback, but quickly recovered and smiled slightly:
"I see.
So that's your insight.
It's exactly what Tsunade and the two previous leaders said.
You believe that eliminating the distinction between ordinary people and ninjas is the best way to end the years of war in the ninja world."
"Yes, I think this is the best way to do it now that we have the means."
Souji nodded calmly in response, and then asked:
"So, what does the Hokage think?"
"I haven't been able to make a decision yet, which is why I called you here for a proper talk.
The Hokage and Souji looked at each other, without anger or hostility, and he said calmly
"It seems that there is no ambitious look in your eyes."
"If I were driven by personal ambition, whether it was to rule or destroy the entire ninja world, I would have a much simpler way, without having to go through the trouble of accepting others choosing me."
Souji replied:
"I have already killed the Mizukage and the Raikage
The Hokage must have received the information that even the powerful Raikage A was killed in one blow by me."
"If I want to forcefully push through my plans, all I have to do is keep killing people.
There is no one in the ninja world who can stand against me now."
"Does that include me?" the Hokage asked.
"Yes," Souji answered without hesitation.
"Um..."
Hokage did not react to this.
Just two or three months ago, Souji had to fight like everyone else, but his kunai technique was a bit special.
It might be able to threaten a Kage-level opponent, but it was only to a certain extent.
The fact that someone could suddenly become capable of killing the Raikage with a single blow in such a short time must be due to a great secret.
However, the Hokage only thought about it briefly and did not intend to investigate further.
Since he possesses terrifying power that can easily kill even the Five Kage, yet he still doesn't attempt to solve the problem with mere violence, what else is there for him to say?
The Hokage then fell silent.
Souji asked with some doubt:
"Does the Hokage have nothing else to ask me?"
"I can't think of anything right now..."
Hokage sighed softly:
"I've heard about your ideas and plans.
At first, I was quite surprised, but upon closer reflection, they do seem to make a lot of sense…"
"I must say, I somewhat agree, but..."
Hokage hesitated.
"Such a big change is too.
Even I am very hesitant.
Such a big change, although it sounds wonderful, what if unexpected accidents happen, or the result is not as ideal as initially expected..."
"Souji, many people don't actually expect such a big change to happen."
"Yes, I know, so if it fails in the end, I won't force myself."
Souji replied:
"If we can't even get public support in Konoha, then there's no point in promoting it to the entire ninja world.
If more people still think that maintaining the status quo is better, then we can only accept this fact."
"You are much more decisive than I imagined."
Hokage smiled, then sighed softly:
"I'm getting old too.
I do think your ideas are better, but I'm also worried that if something goes wrong, the consequences will be too great.
I can no longer be as decisive as a young person like you and do what I think of."
"I think that it's not appropriate for an old person like me to make decisions about the future.
"What do you mean?"
Souji asked, puzzled.
"I will not express my support for you or Minato, or for both of you.
You will each rely on your own abilities to win supporters, and the Jonin will decide who will be the next Hokage through a vote of trust."
"Although this may seem a bit irresponsible, there's no other way.
Once I express my opinion, many people will blindly follow my lead, and then it will become a decision made by me alone."
"I understand, thank you very much."
Although the Hokage's intention was to remain neutral, in this situation, the Hokage's mere refusal to deny him was already a form of support.
After all, Minato is the Hokage's direct grand-disciple.
If Minato becomes Hokage, it means that the management style that has been in place for so long will continue.
Given this relationship, the fact that the Hokage didn't fully support Minato suggests that, in the eyes of others, the Hokage also highly valued him.
Many people will think deeply about this and compare the advantages and disadvantages of both sides.
This is actually very advantageous to him, increasing his chances of winning.
"That's settled then, I'm heading back now. Good luck to you."
After saying this, the Hokage left.
Souji watched the Hokage leave, then turned his gaze back to Konoha Village below the mountain.
Does the Jonin trust vote decide the outcome...?
Excluding the Hokage, himself, and Minato, Konoha has a total of 167 Jonin.
Due to the special circumstances, almost all of these Jonin are currently in the village, with Orochimaru being the only one who has gone out.
This guy is really strange, staying away for so long at such an important time, but I don't have time to deal with him right now.
Even if they are really plotting something bad, as long as they dare to show it, it's just a matter of no solution.
In comparison, voting, which does not require physical action, is much more difficult.
Even with the Hokage's words, the situation has improved somewhat, but the chances of winning are still slim.
As the Hokage said, not many people expect drastic changes to occur.
In particular, although he has recently accomplished a series of great things and gained a great reputation, the time has been too short and many people do not know much about him, making it difficult to have confidence in him.
Even if the idea is good or resonates with many people, it is still difficult for many to believe someone who suddenly appears out of nowhere.
However... just like the Hokage's attitude was much better than expected.
The outcome remains to be seen.
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end of this chapter...